Chinese Athletic Brand Li-Ning Opens Its First American Retail Outlet

Amidst much fanfare, Li-Ning, a major sports brand in China, recently opened its first US retail showroom in the Pearl District of Portland, Oregon. Joining the celebrations for the opening were Portland Mayor Sam Adams and NBA star, Baron Davis. Jay Li, the General Manager of Li-Ning said during the ceremony:

Portland is the epicenter of athletic footwear and it is a great testing ground for us to introduce the brand and ease into our international presence.

The crowd waiting outside had a treat as they got an autographed vinyl figure of Baron Davis. During an interview at the media session, Baron said that the BD Doom shoe, specially designed for him by Li-Ning, is ideally suited for his style of play.

Li-Ning has also partnered with Champs Sports and plan to introduce footwear and apparel in various malls across the west coast by this August.

[via SoleCollector]